Jan 3, 2013

With all the leaks and reports about Intel's next-generation central processing units, some people were nursing hopes that they would see at least a few of the chips in stores this quarter (Q1 2013). Newer information suggests such hopes are unfounded.

Truth be told, Intel never actually said it would release Haswell processors so early. The ETA (estimated time of arrival) was March-May. Now, though, a report from VR-Zone says that the release has been delayed. Either that, or all the rumors about a March launch were incorrect. Intel is now on a path that will conclude with the release of Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs between May 27 and June 7. This year's edition of Computex, taking place in Taipei, Taiwan, will be the stage. Retailers have been told to delay advertising the launch until June 2. On the mobile processor market, there will be three chipsets: Intel QM87, HM87 and HM86. Compatible with them are the Core i7-4930MX, i7-4900MQ, i7-4800MQ, i7-4702HQ, i7-4702MQ, i7-4700HQ, and i7-4700MQ, among others.

The list of desktop processors and chipsets is even longer. The Intel Z87 is the strongest motherboard platform (OC-ready), followed by H87, Q87, Q85, and B85. The Core i5 series is composed of the i5-4670K, i5-4670, i5-4670S, i5-4670T, i5-4570, i5-4570S, i5-4570T, i5-4430, and i5-4430S. The Core i7 CPU line includes Core i7-4770K flagship product, i7-4770, i7-4770S and i7-4770T. All desktop components rely on the LGA 1150 socket, just like Ivy Bridge (third-generation, 22nm) used LGA 1155. Between now and March, motherboard manufacturers are the only ones that might still leak information. Sources from the supply chain may provide some information as well. Until then, people interested in the CPU collection can go here and read everything published about them so far, and what unofficial sources let slip over the past few months.